ND governor proclaims ‘Aviation Week’

North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple has issued a statewide proclamation declaring March 6-12 “Aviation Week.” The proclamation was announced at the Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium in Minot, N.D., and highlighted the critical impact that aviation has on the state of North Dakota. General aviation alone drives over $248 million in economic activity and supports over 2,500 jobs across the state.

In response to the proclamation, the following groups responded:

“We commend Governor Dalrymple for highlighting the importance of aviation across North Dakota. General aviation is a literal lifeline for businesses, law enforcement, farmers, medical personnel, and charities in small towns and rural communities in North Dakota and across the country,” said Selena Shilad, Executive Director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America.

“North Dakota has an important place in U.S. aviation,” added Craig Fuller, president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. “The University of North Dakota’s Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is one of the largest, most influential aviation schools in the country. And general aviation plays a vital role in connecting communities in this largely rural state. We look forward to working with the governor to continue raising awareness of the value of general aviation to North Dakota and the nation.”

“In North Dakota and throughout the nation, business aviation is crucial to supporting jobs, helping businesses to reach their customer base and beyond, and providing resources and services to communities in need. All told, general aviation provides 1.2 million jobs and $150 billion in economic impact, and that is why the governor’s proclamation is so important. We look forward to working with him to raise awareness about this and other issues that are crucial to our economy,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

Henry Ogrodzinski, President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials said, “Our network of airports is critical to sustaining millions of jobs, and providing access to a host of important services and resources. Larry Taborsky, Director, North Dakota Aeronautics Commission has been instrumental in promoting a strong aviation industry within the state. We appreciate Governor Dalrymple’s recognition of these airports and aircraft, and look forward to continuing to work with him to promote this valuable industry.”

Jim Coyne, President and CEO of the National Air Transport Association (NATA), keynote speaker at the Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium, stated, “The aviation community thanks Governor Dalrymple for issuing this proclamation and recognizing the importance of aviation to the state of North Dakota and its economy.”